unprincipled

[ uhn-prin-suh-puhld ]

adjective

1. lacking or not based on moral scruples or principles:

   an unprincipled person; unprincipled behavior.

   Synonyms: dishonest, tricky

2. not instructed in the principles of something (usually followed by in ).

unprincipled

/ ʌnˈprɪnsɪpəld /

adjective

1. lacking moral principles; unscrupulous
2. archaic.
   foll by in not versed in the principles of (a subject)

Derived Forms

• unˈprincipledness, noun

Other Words From

• un·princi·pled·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unprincipled¹

First recorded in 1625–35; un- ¹ + principled

Synonym Study

See unscrupulous.

Example Sentences

I came to know him as an unprincipled man of greed, lust and carnal desires that continue to rule him and thus make him unfit for office.

From Salon

Davis, for his part, expects Biden to be reelected, given his record and the contrast he offers to the wayward, unprincipled ex-president.

From Los Angeles Times

Of course, it is only Trump who is in personal jeopardy because of his reckless and unprincipled behavior, not his millions of followers.

From Salon

“As the district court noted, Ronaldo mistakenly produced the course of ‘navigating this unorthodox predicament,’ kicked off by Mayorga’s counsel’s ‘unprincipled conduct’ long before, and instituted vigorous efforts to protect the documents afterwards.”

From Seattle Times

China‘s Communist leadership is attempting to “hoodwink the world into thinking unprincipled engagement with the PRC can be mutually beneficial,” he said.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• amoral
• deceitful
• dishonest
• immoral
• unconscionable
• unethical
• unprofessional
• unscrupulous